06 March 2021
Juve warmed up for their Champions League last-16 return leg against Porto by coming from behind to see off Lazio. After Joaquin Correa drew first blood for the visitors, Adrien Rabiot and Alvaro Morata turned the game around for the Bianconeri. It all bodes well for Tuesday, when the team will have to come from behind again.
This is what Andrea Pirlo, Morata and Federico Chiesa had to say after the match against Lazio.
ANDREA PIRLO
“We got off to a bad start by making a mistake with a backpass but we didn't let our heads drop. We upped the tempo and fought back and that's the most important thing. We weren't thinking about the Champions League. We had limited options but this match was like a final and everyone toiled for the team including those playing out of position. All the lads gave everything: Danilo played in midfield and [Federico] Bernardeschi at full-back. It's never easy to come back after going behind, especially against a team like Lazio, but I was really happy with our reaction tonight.
“Unfortunately, we haven't had Morata available recently. He's trying to get back to his best now. He's a key player for us and hopefully he'll be 100% again soon. As for Arthur, he always does something positive when he's on the ball.
“Now we can focus on Porto – another decisive match we can't mess up.”
MORATA
“I had three tough weeks when I felt I had no strength and got a temperature after matches. I had to keep going and I did. I'm fine now and I hope to be even better by Tuesday.“There was anger in our celebrations because people are waiting for us to trip up and it was important to show everyone that we're in the mix. We have to roll up our sleeves and stick at it. As long as there are points available we'll keep fighting till the end.
“When you're playing with the best striker of all time your first thought is setting him up and scoring comes second. If he's not playing you think about shooting more yourself; when he's on the pitch he's like a robot who always scores so you have to give him the ball. The coach wants me to play between the lines more, something my other coaches didn't ask me to do. I like setting up others.
“Today, besides the win and the three points, the real positive was the way we responded after our initial mistake – it was the response of great team that wants to win. Now we must focus on Tuesday when everything is on the line.”
FEDERICO CHIESA
“We were superb today and played with real grit and determination to fight back after conceding the opener from a mistake. We deserved more than a draw against Verona but it came down to small details and today we got the details right. We were especially good defensively by working together as a unit. When I won the ball in the build-up to the second, it was thanks to the team.
“Lazio are a great side and this is a big win for us today, but every game from here on in will be massive for us. The squad is united and determined. Something clicked after we drew with Verona and from now on – as the boss says – we must treat every match like a final.”
